Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global public health crisis, often described as a silent global crisis threatening human and animal health. While developed nations benefit from advanced healthcare infrastructure, diagnostic capabilities, strong and continuous surveillance systems, low- and lower-middle-income countries (LICs and LMICs) face significant challenges in combating AMR. Limited access to healthcare, high population density, poor sanitation, overuse and misuse of antibiotics, weak regulatory frameworks, and inadequate surveillance accelerate the emergence and spread of AMR in these regions. The unchecked rise of AMR has facilitated the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, or pan-drug-resistant “superbugs,” posing severe threats to global health security. However, AMR remains a neglected issue in LICs and LMICs due to economic constraints and weak monitoring systems. This review explores the current status of AMR and superbugs, their impact on human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health framework; primary factors of resistance; and global mitigation strategies, with a particular AMR landscape and identifying appropriate solutions. This review aims to support efforts in reducing antimicrobial consumption and mitigating the growing threat of resistance worldwide.

To Cite This Article: Hossain H, Chowdhury MDSR, Rahman MN, Khan SS, Ahmad T, Akter S, Nitu AS, Brishty KA, Pory FS, K.C. D, Imranuzzaman MD, Abass KS, Rahman MDM and Rahman MDM 2025. Antimicrobial resistance apocalypse and pan-drug-resistant superbug challenges: current status, impact and mitigation strategies. Pak Vet J. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.254